Quiz: Howstuffworks

Quiz: Could you build your own lamp?

About This Quiz

Ever wonder how you could make your own lamp to suit your lighting and decor needs? Wonder no more. Making your own lamp isn't as hard as you think! Shed some light on the subject by taking our quiz.

What can you use as the container part of the lamp?

any household item

terracotta jars

anything made of glass

You can truly use almost any household item to make the container part of a lamp. From mason jars to empty bottles, practically anything will do.

How long does building a basic lamp take?

15 to 30 minutes

two hours

all day

Building a own basic lamp is really simple and takes no time at all, between 15 to 30 minutes.

What tools do you need to build your own lamp?

screwdriver and hammer

pliers and hammer

pliers, screwdriver, wire cutter

You only need a few basic tools to make a lamp -- pliers, a screwdriver and wire cutters. A drill may come in handy but isn't a necessity.

Why should you put sand in your lamp container?

to keep water out

to keep bugs out

for weight

All lamp containers require a weight for stabilization. If you have an opaque container, simply fill it will sand.

What kind of electrical kit do you need to build your lamp?

a wire kit

one that fits the container you're using

a transformer light kit

You need any do-it-yourself kit that suits your base. The simplest is one that fits into the top of the base, with the cord attached at the top, so no drilling is necessary. You definitely don't need an electrician for this job!

What is a lamp harp?

a tiny motor to make the lamp rotate

another word for light bulb

a screw-on wire attachment

A lamp harp is a screw-on wire attachment that goes around the light bulb and keeps the lamp shade in place.

What is the purpose of the wire stoppers in a lamp kit?

to secure the light bulb

to secure the lamp base

to secure electrical wires

A lamp kit includes several stoppers in different sizes. Use the stopper that best fits the opening you created for the lamp wires and fasten them into place.

What is a locknut?

a thick screw at the base of lamp

a bolt that locks the electrical wires in place

a nut that screws onto a threaded bolt to lock it in place

A locknut is commonly used to fasten the harp securely in place.

What is the purpose of a candy cane lamp?

Christmas decoration

reading

outdoor patios

While its name might imply that it is a Christmas-themed lamp, a candy cane-shaped lamp is used for reading.

How long does it take to make a stovepipe lamp?

one to two hours

three to four hours

five to six hours

Making your own stovepipe lamp is not a simple task. It will take you about three to four hours to complete.

How long can you make your stovepipe lamp?

any desired shape and length

5 feet (1.5 meters)

8 feet (2.4 meters)

You can make your stovepipe lamp into any desired shape or length, within reason of course.

How much lamp cord do you need for a 4.5-foot (1.35 meters)-tall stovepipe lamp?

What should you use to weigh down your stovepipe lamp?

Weigh your stovepipe lamp down with bricks or lead weights. You need at least 5 pounds (2.25 kilograms) of ballast to keep the lamp stable.

Why do you need to drill two holes at the base of a stovepipe lamp?

for light dispersion

for ventilation

for the light switch and lamp cord

Get out your electrical drill out for this one. You need two holes in your stovepipe lamp creation: one for the light switch and one for the lamp cord.

What kind of paint should you use for your stovepipe lamp?

spray paint

acrylic paint

oil paint

Spray your stovepipe lamp with one coat of metal primer and two or three thin coats of high gloss spray enamel for a smooth finish.

Why would you drill three small holes toward the top of your stovepipe lamp?

for electrical wires

for ventilation

for light dispersion

You need to drill at least three small holes close to the light source of your stovepipe lamp to dissipate the heat coming from the bulb.

How long does it take to make a lampshade cover?

one hour

two hours

three hours

Creating your own fabric lampshade cover is not a difficult task. It only takes about an hour.

What kind of fabric should you choose if you want to make your own lampshade cover?

upholstery fabric

only linen/cotton blends

lightweight fabric

Choose a lightweight fabric that will easily fall into nice folds.

How much fabric should you buy for your lampshade covering?

1 yard (0.91 meters)

2 yards (1.8 meters)

3 yards (2.7 meters)

Buy 1 yard (0.91 meters) of fabric that is 44 to 45 inches (111.7 to 114.3 centimeters) wide. If the lampshade is more than 15 inches (38 centimeters) high, add another 2 inches (5 centimeters) in fabric width for each additional inch (2.54 centimeters) of lampshade height.

How much elastic do you need to buy for your lampshade covering?

1 yard (0.91 meters)

2 yards (1.8 meters)

3 yards (2.7 meters)

You will need three yards of medium-weight elastic for your lampshade covering project.

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